Friday 26 March 2010 08.47 EDT
First published on Friday 26 March 2010 08.47 EDT

It had shouty CID officers before Gene Hunt had even learnt to swear, criminals played by actors who would go onto stardom, and what looked like the grimmest police station in history. But most importantly The Bill had a cracking set of titles – those sensibly-shod feet tramping the mean streets of Sun Hill, the screaming blue siren, and a theme tune that most of the country could sing on demand.

I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking that the original titles were the best. This was how the very first episode of The Bill introduced itself in July 1988. Feel that lovely wave of nostalgia wash right over you.

Nine years later, and in 1997 the choreographed walking is still going strong – although the opening credits show a cast of new characters. But not entirely: June Ackland is still keeping the criminals of Sun Hill at bay and Bob Cryer is maintaining his trademark piercing look.

All change at Sun Hill! I remain to be convinced about these opening titles from 2001, with their jazzed-up theme tune, and shards of faces. It looks a little like they're expecting Jack Bauer to turn up any minute - and a split screen episode of The Bill hardly bears thinking about.

The feet are back by 2007. Although sadly only for a brief second in the opening credits, rather than in a closing sequence all of their own. The theme music has had something of a return to form too - well, it's better than the early 00s rendition at any rate.

In 2009, ITV tried to reposition the Bill as a once a week post-watershed drama. Quite honestly, I haven't seen it since they did – and on the evidence of this, I'm glad I haven't. No feet. No recognisable theme tune. No police officers' quizzical faces. ITV: what did you do?